PERFORMANCE METRICS FOR ACTIVE MAGNETIC REFRIGERATORS

摘要

This paper presents design and performance metrics for magnetic refrigerators using active magnetic regenerator cycles (AMR). The impact of design choices and operating parameters such as temperature span, cooling power, and work input are summarized and linked to metrics describing refrigerator performance. These variables are then connected to device cost based on parameters such as cooling exergy per unit volume of regenerator. A performance metric specific to AMR refrigerators is derived and is used to compare experimental results available in the literature. Finally, some estimates of capital costs for two different AMR systems are discussed with a focus on opportunities for improvements.